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| Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa Calls on African worker Unions to Tackle Global Technological Shifts |
The Prime Minister of Tanzania, Kassim Majaliwa, has called on labor unions across Africa to develop strategies to tackle global technological changes, aiming to foster innovation, effort, and knowledge in their work while strengthening the African labor federation.
The African Trade Union Confederation (OATUU) was established in April 1973 by Tanzania's first President, Julius Kambarage Nyerere, and Ghana's first President, Francis Kwame Nkrumah, with the goal of uniting workers and collectively managing their interests across the continent.
Dr. Kassim Majaliwa stated that advancing, studying, and learning more in line with technology will enable workers to mitigate the risk of job loss due to the rise of machines and the adoption of new technologies, including artificial intelligence.
"In today's world, we are witnessing significant changes driven by technological revolutions, including the use of artificial intelligence and globalization," he remarked.
"There is a risk of people losing their jobs as machinery and modern systems take over tasks that could typically be performed by workers. We must implement a plan for continuous training that aligns with technological changes to prepare workers for the new types of jobs emerging," he added.
Tanzania, under the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has established strategies to address these changes, including promoting the proper use of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and emphasizing the protection of workers' rights and privacy. "Technology must uphold dignity and not undermine the respect for work."
He also mentioned another area of focus is empowering workers through various programs that will enhance their skills in the workplace. "We are doing this to ensure our people, especially the youth, are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed, particularly in the green and digital economy.
Furthermore, he stated that the government values and recognizes the significant contribution of labor unions in the country and will continue to collaborate with them to enhance workers' benefits.
"The government has granted labor unions the freedom to operate independently and without interference; we urge them to keep consulting and cooperating with the government to further improve the benefits and working conditions," he remarked.
He noted that the strong partnership between the government and these unions has enabled the government to fulfill all essential needs of workers in the country, including improvements in policies, laws, and workers' benefits.
Additionally, he mentioned that the Tanzanian government will continue to support the efforts of the African Trade Union Confederation (OATUU) as part of honoring the legacy of the founding father of the nation who established the federation.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Labor, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Patrobas Katambi, stated that the government has continued to collaborate with labor unions in the country and has enacted various policies and laws to ensure the improvement and enhancement of workers' benefits.
On his part, the Vice President of the African Trade Union Confederation (OATUU), Joshua Ansah, expressed that the union will persist in overseeing and ensuring the protection of workers' interests across Africa, to guarantee equality and benefits for all workers.
Moreover, he expressed gratitude to the leaders of African labor unions for their continued support of the federation in advancing the fight for workers' rights.
"Let us continue to support our federation for the broader interests of workers across Africa, and together we will keep advocating for the improvement of their benefits."
Additionally, the Director of the International Labor Organization for the East African region, Ms. Caroline Mugala, stated that the union will continue to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of labor unions to guarantee that governments uphold workers' interests.
"We need to continue protecting our employees from various social changes, including environmental and technological shifts. It is essential for employees to receive ongoing training and support to cope with these transformations."
"He stated that every change affecting employees must involve those employees and that they should agree to it in order to benefit both parties."
"On his part, the President of the Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA), Tumaini Nyamhokya, expressed pride in the significant achievements the union has made in advocating for the rights of all workers in the country."
"He noted that these successes have stemmed from the strong relationships the union has built with the government and its employees, which has enabled the union to reach its goals and operate effectively."
"We have largely utilized dialogue and consensus to meet the needs of workers, and we are grateful that our government has been responsive in listening to and addressing the challenges faced by employees," he said.